Reborn In The Shadow

The world of the Reborn is governed by a complex system of power, where those who have died and been given a second chance return stronger, gifted with abilities beyond human comprehension. This chapter delves into the structure of this power system, its origins, and its many classifications.

1. Reborn Powers

When a person dies and is reborn, they awaken with a unique ability that manifests based on their soul's will and past experiences. These powers are deeply personal and can range from elemental control to space manipulation. The stronger the will of the Reborn at the moment of their death, the greater their potential.

Innate Abilities: These are natural enhancements like superior strength, agility, or durability, granted to all Reborn.

Unique Skills: Each Reborn is granted one primary ability that defines their combat style, such as Michael's Shadow Manipulation.

Awakening Evolution: Some Reborn can push their powers to new heights, unlocking hidden abilities within their core.

2. Heavenly Garments

Upon rebirth, every individual is gifted with a Heavenly Garment—clothing that adapts to their power and strengthens them. These garments are unbreakable by normal means and serve both as armor and a representation of their abilities.

Functionality: Each garment enhances the Reborn's power and acts as a medium to amplify their skills.

Appearance: They often reflect the wearer's inner self, such as Michael's ninja attire with a monster mask, which boosts his speed and strength.

3. Titles and Nicknames

Every Reborn earns a title based on their reputation, abilities, and actions. These names often strike fear or admiration into others and symbolize their legacy.

Michael – "The King of Shadows"

Scarlet – "The Empress of Hell"

August – "The Right Hand of God"

Ember – "The Great Diamond"

Celine – "The Queen of All Parallel Universes"

Titles are more than just names; they influence how others perceive the individual and sometimes unlock hidden potential within their abilities.

4. Fallen Beasts

Fallen Beasts are nightmarish creatures born from corrupted souls that failed to reincarnate properly. They vary in size, intelligence, and danger level. Many guilds are dedicated to hunting them down, as they pose a threat to civilization.

Small Fallen Beasts: The weakest of their kind, often no bigger than a human, but still dangerous.

Big Fallen Beasts: Large, monstrous creatures capable of leveling cities.

Abyssal Fallen Beasts: Entities of unimaginable power, believed to be near invincible.

Fallen Beasts are unpredictable, and some have been known to transfer memories to those who defeat them, as seen in Hiori's tragic past.

5. Ranks of the Paragons

The Reborn who join a guild are referred to as Paragons, meaning "perfect beings." Their strength is classified into six distinct ranks:

Base Rank – The lowest rank, assigned to new members.

Knight Rank – Gained after proving oneself in battle.

Empowered Knight Rank – A title given to those who surpass normal warriors.

Dragon Rank – Warriors of immense strength, capable of taking on entire armies alone.

Warlord Rank – Near-mythical figures who can change the tide of war single-handedly.

Commander Rank – The strongest of the strong, leading entire guilds and possessing world-altering power.

Example: Scarlet and August are at Empowered Knight Rank, while Ember is at Dragon Rank, which surprises Michael due to her calm demeanor.

6. Fallen Beast Ranks

Just as the Reborn have ranks, so do the Fallen Beasts, classified based on their strength and the threat they pose.

Class D – Minor Threat: Easily handled by lower-ranked Paragons.

Class C – Moderate Threat: Requires a team of Knights to eliminate.

Class B – High Threat: Capable of destroying towns; only Empowered Knights and above can face them.

Class A – Extreme Threat: Requires a Dragon Rank warrior or multiple lower-ranked fighters to stand a chance.

Class S – Catastrophic Threat: These beings have wiped out entire cities and require multiple Warlords or Commanders to even wound them.

7. Reborn Weapons

In addition to their Heavenly Garments, some Reborn wield special weapons infused with their unique powers. These weapons can grow stronger with their user and sometimes develop abilities of their own.

Michael's Dual Katanas: Channel and extend his shadow abilities.

Scarlet's Crimson Sword: A blade forged in fire, capable of cutting through almost anything.

Ember's Diamond Spear: A weapon that can absorb light and unleash devastating energy attacks.

Legend says that the strongest Reborn weapons are forged from the remains of fallen gods.

8. Grudge Transformation

When someone harbors an extreme level of hatred towards a person, group, or entity, they undergo a Grudge Transformation, turning into a half-human, half-Fallen Beast hybrid. This transformation greatly increases their strength, but at the cost of their sanity.

Partial Transformation: The user maintains some control but becomes more violent and aggressive.

Full Transformation: The individual loses all rational thought, becoming a mindless beast of destruction.

Reversal Possibility: Only a few have ever reverted back after undergoing this transformation.

9. Reborn's Domain

Those who have fully mastered their abilities can create a Domain, a personal reality shaped by their power. Within this domain, their abilities are at their peak, giving them absolute control over the environment.

Only the strongest warriors can unlock this ability, and it is said that the most powerful Domains can reshape reality itself.

10. Awakening Transformation

Reborn who train their abilities to their absolute limit can enter an Awakening Transformation, a temporary state where they unleash their maximum potential. This power boost lasts for a short period but greatly enhances their speed, strength, and abilities.

Training Requirement: Only those who have endured extreme physical and mental training can awaken.

Time Limit: The transformation is brief, and overuse can be fatal.

Conclusion

This world is one of endless power struggles, where the Reborn rise to challenge the horrors of the Fallen Beasts. With their Heavenly Garments, unique abilities, and powerful weapons, the Paragons stand as humanity's last hope. But as history has shown, even the greatest warriors can fall into darkness…

And Michael's journey is just beginning.